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Couple get their skates on as Barrow urban park vision takes shape

BARROW’S first skate park could be up and running by the start of the summer.

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Only a few months ago, owners Jason and Jane Keith thought the venture would never get off the ground after travellers set up camp on their land and halted construction.

Mr Keith said that had delayed them by about eight weeks – but now the concrete floor has been laid, the roof is nearly finished and the couple are on track to open their doors in the not-too-distant future.

They are now appealing for bricklayers and joiners to come along and help them on a voluntary basis and in return receive passes to the park – UrbanExtreme Ltd.

Former semi-pro BMX rider Mr Keith and his wife, bought the plot of land at James Freel Close, Barrow, last year to build the indoor facility, which will be the first in Cumbria.

The pair, from Priors Walk, Ireleth, plan to lay on a minibus to bring in youngsters from Millom and the more rural areas such as Haverthwaite, Cark and Flookburgh.

As well as bikes, the park will be open to scooters, skateboards and in-line skaters and the couple say prices will be kept low.

The venture will be run as a charity and the couple are hoping to get funding for the indoor track from the Big Lottery Fund, among others.

Mrs Keith, 43, said: “What we desperately need now are volunteers who are trained bricklayers and joiners. We are also after tradesmen.

“There will be incentives such as free entry passes into the park. Get in touch via our Facebook group or pop down to the park and see Jason who is on site most days now.

“Once the roof is complete it will be on to fitting the doors and sorting out the electrics.

“We are well on track to open in late spring or early summer.

“We are also after second-hand bar stools, tables and chairs so if anyone has any please get in touch.”

Mr Keith, who as a semi-pro BMX rider competed all other the country, said: “It is finally coming together and moving forward now we have had the concrete floor put down.”

Head to the couple’s UrbanExtreme Ltd Facebook page for the latest information on the park’s progress.